Superintendent's Community Update for June 11, 2021

Dear Hastings Families, Faculty and Staff,

The end of this school year is near. We are fortunate to be able to have our end-of-year celebrations which mean even more after what we have had to endure during a pandemic. We will need to continue upholding all safety protocols and practices that will make it possible for us to celebrate the achievements of our students. Thank you again for all that you’ve done to support us in getting closer to the finish line.

Pride Month

To commemorate Pride Month, the high school Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) kicked off Pride Month by honoring its senior members and officers with an outdoor picnic party of pizza and board games. On June 2nd, the GSA distributed hundreds of rainbow facemasks and LGBTQIA+ stickers, mini flags, and bracelets to bring awareness to Pride Month and encouraged Hastings students and faculty to show off their pride and allyship. Throughout Farragut Middle School and Hastings High School, students and teachers celebrate Pride Month by proudly wearing their pronouns and new Pride gear. The GSA plans to attend the Hastings town Pride celebration at The Good Witch Coffee Bar on June 19th. If possible, the GSA would like to play an even larger role in next year’s celebration. I want to express my gratitude to GSA Faculty Advisor Jacklyn Correra and all the GSA members for working with students and faculty to establish an environment of belonging, support, and camaraderie.

Remote Learning for Next Year

We currently do not know if there will be a remote learning option for students in the 2021-22 school year. Districts are awaiting a new Executive Order from the Governor that may be shared in July. While the New York State Department of Health updated its K-12 In-Person Instruction Guide found here to ensure schools are prepared to reopen in September, the Governor has already announced that more health and safety protocols will be repealed when the State reaches a 70% vaccination rate. Three days ago the number was 69.1%. Changes will be announced as soon as they are released by the Governor.

Local Vaccination Sites

To ensure that as many eligible students and adults as possible have access to local vaccination sites, our District, like others, may offer vaccination clinics this summer and in the fall. More information will be shared with the community when these details have been finalized. As you know, Governor Cuomo launched a new program to incentivize families to vaccinate their 12-17-year-olds called, Get a Shot to Make Your Future. A student must have received their first COVID vaccine injection to be eligible to win one of 50 four-year, full-ride scholarships to any New York State public college or university. Information is provided on the Governor's website. If you are still seeking a vaccination for yourself or your 12-17 year older, please visit the sites below:

New York State Covid-19 Vaccine Website: https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
Find appointments at a State-run Site: Make an appointment at a State-run site
Find appointments at all other sites: Make an appointment at other sites

Retiree Recognition at June 21st Board Meeting

A number of employees who are retiring this year and three Board of Education Trustees will be recognized at the June 21st Board of Education meeting. A reception will take place at 6:30 pm in the Farragut Complex courtyard.

We appreciate your continued diligence in completing the daily COVID health questionnaire, checking your child’s symptoms, and following testing guidelines. What you do matters because it helps to keep everyone safe and in school. Please remember to keep your child home if your child is awaiting the results of a COVID PCR test or if a family member develops COVID symptoms. If your child comes to school, the virus comes too.

Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and assistance.

Please enjoy your weekend.

Sincerely,

Valerie Henning-Piedmonte, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools